In today’s world, keeping your accounts safe online is very important. Many people use usernames and passwords to log in to websites and apps. However, passwords can sometimes be stolen or guessed, which puts your personal information at risk. To solve this problem, a new method called Passkeys has been introduced. In this article, we will explore what Passkeys are, how they work, and why they are a safer and better option.

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys are a new way of logging in to websites and apps without using a traditional username and password. Instead of typing a password, you can use features like Face ID, Touch ID, or your device’s passcode to log in. This makes it much faster and easier to access your accounts.

A Passkey is a special digital key that is unique to each website or app. This means that every site or app has its own separate Passkey, making it more secure. The best part is that Passkeys are stored only on your device and never shared or stored on a server, keeping them safe from hackers.

How Do Passkeys Work?

Passkeys work with a combination of your device’s security features and technology called cryptography (a way of protecting information using math). Here’s how they work step by step:

  1. Creating a Passkey:
    • When you visit a website or app that supports Passkeys, you can create a Passkey for your account.
    • Instead of setting a password, you use your Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode to confirm your identity.
  2. Logging In:
    • The next time you visit the website, you simply use your Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode to log in. You don’t need to remember or type a password.
  3. Cross-Platform Use:
    • Passkeys can also be used on other devices. For example, if you are logging in to a website on your friend’s computer, you can scan a QR code using your iPhone and then unlock it with Face ID or Touch ID.

Advantages of Passkeys

Passkeys are becoming popular because they offer several benefits:

  1. Safer Than Passwords:
    • Passkeys never leave your device, so hackers cannot steal them. Even if someone tricks you with a fake website (called phishing), they cannot get your Passkey.
  2. No Data Leaks:
    • Since Passkeys are not stored on servers, they cannot be stolen in a hacking attack. This makes them much safer than traditional passwords.
  3. Easy to Use:
    • You don’t need to remember complicated passwords. Once you set up a Passkey, logging in is as simple as unlocking your device.
  4. No Sharing Across Websites:
    • Each Passkey is unique to the website or app it was created for. Even if one Passkey is somehow compromised, it won’t affect your other accounts.

Where Can You Use Passkeys?

Not all websites and apps support Passkeys yet, but many big names already do. Some examples include:

  • Google
  • Facebook
  • GitHub
  • Dropbox
  • GoDaddy
  • WordPress

Apple is working hard to get more websites and apps to use Passkeys in the future. Right now, Passkeys can be used on Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs. They also work with non-Apple devices, but you will need your iPhone to log in.

Can Passkeys Be Used on All Devices?

Passkeys are designed to work across different devices, but there are some requirements:

  1. Apple Devices:
    • Passkeys work on iPhones, iPads, and Macs that are running the latest operating systems like iOS 16 or macOS Ventura.
  2. Non-Apple Devices:
    • You can use Passkeys on non-Apple devices like Windows PCs or Android phones, but you will need your iPhone to scan a QR code and verify your identity.

Are There Any Limitations?

While Passkeys are a great solution, there are some limitations:

  1. Limited Availability:
    • Not all websites and apps support Passkeys yet. Developers need to add Passkey support to their sites before you can use them.
  2. Learning Curve:
    • Since Passkeys are a new technology, some people may take time to understand how to use them.

The Future of Passkeys

Apple and other tech companies hope that Passkeys will eventually replace passwords altogether. They believe Passkeys are a much safer and easier way to log in to accounts. As more websites and apps start using Passkeys, they could become the new standard for online security.

Why Should You Use Passkeys?

If you want to keep your online accounts safe, Passkeys are a great option. They are easy to use, hard to steal, and protect your information better than passwords. You don’t have to worry about remembering long, complicated passwords or using the same password for multiple accounts.

Conclusion

Passkeys are a new and exciting way to log in to your accounts without the hassle of passwords. They are secure, simple, and convenient, making them a great choice for protecting your personal information online. Although they are still new and not available everywhere, the future looks bright for this technology. As more websites and apps adopt Passkeys, logging in online will become safer and easier for everyone.

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